Training Blog 12
THE POINT OF NO RETURN! (barring injuries or national disasters)
Well we are 24 days (at the time of writing) away from the start line at Lands End. I have never been to Lands End or John O Groats but reckon I will feel good when I get to both locations, its just the 950 miles inbetween that worries me!
Anyway enough of the small talk! Training has been going well, I have been on the bike almost every day for the past 6 weeks. The distance I do depends on what time I have and how I feel. I have averaged over 20 miles per day, which although it does not sound much its all about getting in the saddle. I feel fitter, I am mentally prepared, and a little excited believe it or not. I am also looking forward to spending 12 days with a great bunch of blokes, and having a laugh whilst taking in the great scenery.
I have sorted my nutrition out and will be using Mountain Fuel, but will eat as much normal food as I can in the evenings. I have got all my clothing now and have also made another major purchase! Having attended a funeral yesterday I was driving back with my wife and we were talking about how life is short and how you have to do the things you want whilst you can....well we stopped off at Greenwheel Cycles Peterborough on the way home and I bought myself a new Scott CR1 Team bike, see below. Its a great road bike and ideal for the LEJOG due to its on the road feel for long journeys.
The price was very competitive and Ben at Greenwheel cycles has looked after me very well! see their website www.greenwheelcycles.co.uk
The rest of the team have been training hard, although we have had a few problems. Eugenie, one of our support crew, had a serious motorbike accident, which at one stage was being treated as a possible double fatal! she is thankfully recovering well as is the other party who walked out in front of her! Brian, up in Scotland also had an altercation with an elderly person! he was wiped up whllst on his bike and as a result broke his arm in two places! Roger has sacrificed his place on the ride to replace Eugenie as support crew, which has really helped us. To find someone who can spare 12 days on the trot is difficult. Roger has recently retired from the Met and will continue to work with the PFOA in getting our message out. Karl Smith has been ill for some weeks now, he has some kind of virus, so has not been on his bike for over 2 weeks! apart from that we are in good shape!
Seat UK are lending us a Seat Alhambra as a support vehicle and the sponsored BMW will be used as a photo car.
We will be doing a Facebook and Twitter update each day, and a video upload hopefully on YouTube.
Please support the team, this is a big challenge, and everyone has put in many hours of work both in the planning and the training. We will be raising the profile and informing the public of what you do as firearms officers...this is vital to ensure people undestand the fact that all of you are volunteers and take on a huge responsibility.
MW